Kinkaku-ji 金閣寺 is one of the symbols of Japan and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It includes the famous Golden Pavilion, where the ashes of Buddha are believed to be preserved.

The temple was formerly a villa that belonged to the statesman Saionji Kintsune in 1397, and which then became the home of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. This temple has a very tormented story, which also includes two fires: one during the civil war Ōnin, which destroyed much of Kyoto, and another one in 1950, when it was set on fire by a fanatic 22 years old monk who then attempted suicide on the nearby Daimon-ji hill.

We visited Kinkaku-ji during our autumn trip to Kansai. We had been to Kyoto in 2016, but we decided to visit Ginkaku-ji 銀閣寺 instead of Kinkaku-ji 金閣寺… and we definitely made a mistake as Kinkaku-ji is stunning! The view of the beautiful golden pavilion was even more perfect thanks to the sunshine.

The best viewing point for Kinkaku-ji is just by the entrance. Get ready though to “fight” with the crowds to get that perfect Instagram shot. Kinkaku-ji is as a matter of fact one of the most popular temples in the whole Japan.

After taking the perfect picture, you can follow the path that leads around the lake. Unfortunately you cannot enter the pavilion, but I read that you can view the two statues that are kept on the first floor if you look closely. One of the most striking details of the pavilion is surely the legendary bird Ho-ho which lives at the top of the pavilion. It is the equivalent of the phoenix from Greek mythology, and it symbolises a new era.

We were very lucky to visit Kinkaku-ji during the momiji season, even though the autumn colours were not at their peak yet. On the road that leads to the entrance of Kinkaku-ji you can also see the Daimon-ji hill. It is one of the 5 hills where one of the bonfires of the Gozan no Okuribi is lit, to celebrate the end of O-bon on the 16th August.